Located on the west coast of South America looking out over the Pacific Ocean, the capital of the country has a fascinating range of architectural styles ranging from modern tower blocks and sprawling slums to the delightful colonial buildings left behind by the Spanish.

With such a long and varied history, interspersed around the city you’ll find pre-Columbian ruins, lovely monasteries and churches as well as interesting museums and contemporary art galleries. With around 8.5 million people residing in Lima, there are a plethora of bars and restaurants for visitors to check out alongside its bustling nightlife.

Feted for its culinary delights, Lima is the highlight of Peruvian gastronomy as its diverse population has brought their local dishes from around the country to the metropolis. The second driest capital in the world, head to the beaches in Miraflores which line the craggy cliffs overlooking the ocean if you feel like relaxing and soaking up the sun.